Most states have long recognized a form of the insanity defense, based on the defendant’s mental illness, defect, or inability to understand that the criminal act was wrong. In pleading an insanity defense, the defendant admits the criminal conduct, but asserts a lack of culpability based on mental illness. Many states still model their insanity defense on the old English rule of law (the M’Naghten rule from 1843) in which the defendant asserts he (1) did not know the nature and quality of the act, or (2) did not know that it was wrong.

And it is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under any federal statute (federal law) that, at the time of the offense, the defendant was unable to appreciate the nature and quality of his acts, or the wrongfulness of his acts. See 18 U.S.C. §17.

When a defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity it does not mean he necessarily goes free. States often have requirements for treatment or institutionalization after such a finding. And some states require, at a minimum, confinement in a treatment institution or facility for the length of time the person would have received if convicted—so a defendant may end up spending more time confined than if he did not raise such a defense.

The law regarding the availability, definitions, and nature of the insanity defense vary from state to state, and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In South Carolina, the insanity defense is recognized and allows a defendant to claim they were not culpable for their actions due to mental illness. This defense is based on the principle that the defendant either did not understand the nature and quality of their act or did not realize that what they were doing was wrong, similar to the M'Naghten rule. If a defendant successfully pleads insanity, they are found not guilty by reason of insanity. However, this does not mean the defendant is simply released. South Carolina law may require the defendant to undergo treatment or be institutionalized. The specifics of how the insanity defense is applied, including the criteria for determining insanity and the consequences of a successful defense, are detailed in state statutes. Additionally, under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. §17, an affirmative defense is available if the defendant was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of their acts at the time of the offense. The application of the insanity defense and the subsequent requirements for treatment or confinement vary by state and are governed by state law.